THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF SLANG EXPRESSION
IN COMIC ENTITLED THE PUNISHER
By
DWI SANTIKA 1110026000042
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ADAB AND HUMANITIES
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
THE TRANSLATION STRATEGY OF SLANG EXPRESSION
IN COMIC ENTITLED THE PUNISHER
A Thesis
Submitted to Letters and Humanities Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for
The Strata One Degree (S1)
By
DWI SANTIKA 1110026000042
ENGLISH LETTERS DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF ADAB AND HUMANITIES
STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY SYARIF HIDAYATULLAH
JAKARTA
i
ABSTRACT
Dwi Santika, The Translation Strategy of Slang Expression Translation in Comic Entitled The Punisher. A Thesis: English Letters Department, Letters and Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, February 2015.
In this research, the researcher concerns with translation study, that is, the
translation strategy of slang expression in comic entitled The Punisher translated
by Hindi R. Ibrahim. The objectives of the research are: (1) to identified the type of slang expression based on its function used in the target language, (2) to describe slang translation strategy applied in the translation.
The researcher uses qualitative descriptive method in order to reach objectives of the research. The researcher employs herself to collect data; by reading the comic and its translation, marking the slang expressions, classifying, selecting and analyzing them based on the type of slang theory and slang translation strategy theory which are taken from some relevant references.
Findings of this research show that: first, the four types of slang
expression are used in source language include group-identification and
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this thesis subsimission is my own work on that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person not material which to substantial extend has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma of the university or other institute of higher learning, exccept where due acknowledgement has been made in the text.
Jakarta, March 20th, 2015
v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
All praises be to Allah SWT, the Lord of Universe, on the overflow of
graces and mercies to mankind, who amazingly guides the researcher in the
process of making this thesis. Peace and Salutation be upon the greatest prophet
Muhammad SAW, his family, companions and adherents, who had changed the
world from the darkness into the lightness.
On this occassion, the researcher wants to say many thanks to her beloved
parents (Alm. Sugandi and Suhayati) and her one and only brother (Rifal Kurnia),
who have kept, taught, advised and prayed for her success. The researcher also
wants to give her gratitude to Mr. M. Agus Suriadi, M.Hum, and Mr. Moh.
Supardi M.Hum, as the researcher‘s advisors for their time, guidance, patience,
kindness, contribution in correcting and helping her in finishing her thesis.
The researcher would like to express her appreciation to the following
people, namely:
1. Prof. Dr. Sukron Kamil, M.Ag., the Dean of Letters and Humanities
Faculty, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta;
2. Mr. Dr. H. Muhammad Farkhan, M.pd, the Assistant of Dean of Letters
and Humanities Faculty, State Islamic University of Syarif Hidayatullah
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3. Mr. Drs. Saefuddin, M.Pd, the Head of English Letters Department and
Ms. Elve Oktafiyani, M.Hum, the Secretary of English Letters
Department;
4. All lecturers and the staffs of Adab and Humanities Faculty;
5. The researcher‘s beloved ―The Three Musketeers‖: Zahra and Merizka. Thanks for all support and memories.
6. Translation class leader of semester 6: Achmad Yusuf. Thank you very
much for all support and wise advice.
7. The researcher‘s friends in Translation Class: Riyan, Fatimah, Khilda, Doni, Odhie, Fikri, DJ and Dede.
8. The employers of some Universities Libraries, especially Atmajaya
Library employer, who have helped the researcher in finding many
references;
9. To all people and friends that are not mentioned, “Thank you very much.”
May Allah, the all-Hearer and all-Knower, always bless‘ protects, and gives
them more than they have given to the researcher. Hopefully, this thesis will be
advantageous for all people who read it.
Jakarta, March 20th, 2015
vii
A. Background of the Research ... 1
B. Focus of the Research ... 5
C. Research Question ... 5
D. Objective of the Research ... 5
E. Significance of the Research ... 6
viii
1. Types of Slang ... 13
2. Typical of Slang ... 17
3. Slang Translation Strategies ... 21
CHAPTER III RESEARCH FINDINGS ... 24
A. Data Description... 24
B. Data Analysis ... 24
CHAPTER IV CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION ... 38
A. Conclusion ... 38
B. Suggestion ... 38
BIBLIOGRAPHY ... 40
1
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Research
As human being, we need language to interact, associate and establish social
contacts in a community or society. Language is one of the ways for human being
to communicate to each other. Language itself is divided into two, they are formal
language that we can see in newspaper and non-formal language such as slang.
Hartmann and Stork in A. Chaedar states that ―Slang is a variety of speech
characterized by newly coined and rapidly changing vocabulary, used by young or
by social and professional groups for ‗in-group‘ communication and thus tending
to prevent understanding by the rest of the speech community.‖1 The statement
above shows that slang is a language variation which commonly used by
teenagers and a certain group.
The use of slang in society similar with fashion. Widarso states in his book, “Slang seperti fashion: muncul, semua orang menggunakannya dan mudah
ditemukan di mana saja”2
(slang like a fashion: appears, everybody use it and it is
easy to find everywhere). The statement above describes that slang can be used by
everyone without considering their gender or class. People have their own reason
when using slang expression. To induce either friendliness or intimacy of a deep
or a durable kind, to show that someone belongs to a certain group, to be secret
and many more.
1
A. Chaedar Alwasilah, Sosiologi Bahasa, (Bandung: Angkasa Bandung, 1985), p.57.
2
The using of slang is not only found in country with English as its first
language. For example Indonesia which using English as foreign language.
Indonesia has its own slang expression; Prokem or Bahasa gaul is a technical
term that Indonesian people use to call slang. The words such as kudet (kurang
update), jayus (tidak lucu), woles (derived from slow means santai), unyu (lucu,
menggemaskan) are only a few of so many slang expressions in Indonesia.
One slang may have many meanings depend on when and where the speaker
use it. It means, the translator must familiar with the type of slang expression
itself. A function of the slang expression that is used in certain situation is where a
translator have to give more attention. For example, ―I‘d rather not be left stuck to
your crappy car...‖ The statement is said by a hostage. The situation of the text is
Hector (drugs mafia leader) forcedly to go into his enemy‘s car. The slang
expression above has vulgarity and offensiveness function since it is used to bad
mouthing. Different with this example ―this place such a crappy!‖ the slang
expression has informality and intimacy function because it is used to describe
frightening place and the situation of the sentence above is between friends.
After knowing the type of the slang expression, the translator may face
another problem. The diversity of language and its variation, especially slang
caused communication between two different languages turn into difficulty.
As we know that translation is the process of transferring a message from
source language (SL) into target language (TL). A translator should not translate
text carelessly, epecially in translating slang expression. The difficulty of slang
3
a translator succeeds in understanding slang, then they succeed in translating
slang.
In translating slang, translators may have many jobs. They have to show
their resourcefulness, creativity and also find proper strategy to be used, so that it
will not lead misinterpretation among receptors. Even, the job of translators may
become harder when they are translating a comic. Because strategy is base step
for a translator to determine how are they bring readers to destination. Destination
here means a success translation. The wrong strategy that the translator use, it will
bring reader to misinterpretation.
Slang is bound to a culture. There are some limitation that slang can be
translated. In order to transmit cultural terms (for example slang) properly and
accurately, first, a translator should first know the source and target language
thoroughly. Second, the translator should be accustomed to the cultural customs,
religious, beliefs and historical backgrounds of the two texts, and finally she/he
needs to have proper understanding of the subject matter and the dominant
concepts in the text.6
In this case, the researcher chooses comic as unit analysis. Comic looks
attractive because consists of pictures, icons, texts, and plot; and it makes comic is
a kind of literary forms. As Will Eisner states, ―comic means of creative
expression, a distinct discipline, an art and literary form that deals with the
6
Nadia Ghazanfari Mogghaddam, International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature: The Effect of Translator‟s Ideology on the Transmission of Cultural Terms in: “The
arrangement of pictures or images and words to narrate a story or dramatize an
certain way or strategy to obtain similar meaning, effect or intention of source text
author. For example, in a comic, there is a slang phrase binge-watch which
translated into bahasa Indonesia nonton sambil minum. Absolutely, the transaltion
is acceptable for the readers, because it is comprehensible. In the translation, the
slang phrase is translated literally but the translator is soften the word to make the
translation sounds natural with the reader. This way is one of the translation
strategies, which is mentioned as literal softening. Literal softening is used to
produce a natural translation.
From the explanation above, the researcher tries to analyze the slang
expression from American comic series by Marvel Publishing, The Punisher.
Slang is interesting and important to be familiar with. The researcher chooses
slang expression because slang is not a word or phrase which only have direct
meaning and it sometimes make reader confused or even misunderstand. The
researhcer also chooses The Punisher comic as unit analysis because the comic is
originally using English and have many slang expressions. In this case, the
7
5
researcher will take 2 parts of the comic. First part title is Memento Mori and the
second part title is Coyote.
B. Focus of the Research
Based on the background of research above, the research will focus on
analyzing the type of slang expression and analyzing the slang translation
strategies used in the translation, then determining which strategy is more suitable
for translating slang expression in comic.
C. Research Question
1. How is the slang expression in The Punisher comic translation?
2. How is the slang translation strategy in The Punisher comic
translation?
D. Objective of the Research
This research purposes to find out:
1. The types of slang expressions based on its function in The Punisher
comic in the source language and the target language.
E. Significance of the Research
Slang is important to be familiar with. It is because slang almost does
not have direct meaning. Slang also has different type of function, it
depends on when and where a speaker use it.
The fact that slang have no exact meaning in TL, it caused a translator
must find a way to translate the slang expression. So, it is important to know
about the strategy in translating, in this case translating slang expression.
When translators find the right strategy, then they are success to achieve
their goal, that is prevent readers from misinterpretation and make them feel
the same effect as readers in SL and understand the SL‘s author intention.
Comic used as unit analysis in this research because comic mostly using
non-formal language and may consist slang expression, moreover in western
comic such as The Punisher.
F. Research Methodology
1. Collecting Data
Data of both parts of The Punisher comic are taken from marvel
official website: www.marvel.com. The researcher reads repeatedly both
parts of The Punisher comic; marking and giving some notes on the word
or phrase that categorized as slang expression; classifying and determining
the types of slang expression the word is; then describe the sslang
7
2. Method of the Research
The researcher used descriptive qualitative method in the research; it
means all the analysis will be explained by giving description of each data.
The type of slang translation theory applied in this research is taken from
Elisa Mattielo and the slang translation strategy theory are taken from
Eugene Nida and Keith Harvey. Both of the theories are more suitable for
the research because provide clear explanation and support the analysis
well.
3. Data Analysis
The data will be analyzed by using qualitative method. The researcher
reads both source comic and the translation; identifies and analyze type of
slang expression based on its function (group-identification and creativity;
privacy and secrecy; informality and intimacy; vulgarity and offensiveness);
analyze strategy used in the translation; and decides whether the application
of the strategy in the target text is suitable or not.
4. Instrument of the Research
The researcher acts as the instrument of the research to get data in the
research by reading, marking, classifying, and selecting the data of the slang
5. Unit of Analysis
The unit analysis of the research are two parts of The same title comic,
The Punisher by Nathan Edmonson and Mitch Gerads. The first part title is
Memento Mori published on February 5th, 2014 and the second part title is
9
CHAPTER II
THE CONCEPT OF SLANG
A. Previous Research
This research has some similarities with some other research which have
similar topic. The first previous research is a thesis entitled ―An Analysis of Slang
Expression Translation in Mean Girls Movie‖ written by Nur Ardyasari Ratna
Ningrum in 2009 from Sebelas Maret University.8 In this thesis she focuses on
describing the translation strategy and the impacts of the strategy to the accuracy
and acceptability of slang expression translation in Mean Girls movie. She
employed descriptive qualitative method. She uses the 8 translation strategies
from Mona Baker they are translation by more general word; translation by a
more neutral/less expressive word; translation by cultural substitution; translation
by using a loan word or loan word explanation; translation by paraphrase using a
related word; translation by paraphrase using unrelated word; translation by
omission; and translation by illustration. The result shows that the 8 translation
strategies are applied in the Mean Girls translation movie. She concludes that the
translation by more general word is the most common strategy. After spreading
some questionnaires, she finds out that the impacts of the strategy makes the level
The second prior research is still a thesis which taken from Della
Mayvalencia ―An Analysis of Meaning Equivalence of English Slang Language
Translation in Whild Child Movie Text‖.50 In this thesis, she focuses on analyze
the English slang language in the text and how it is translated into Indonesian
language in Wild Child movie and the aim of the research is to know how the
meaning equivalence between translated text and the original text. She uses
descriptive qualitative meethod. She states that jargon, argot, and colloquial are
varieties of slang. She uses the equivalence strategy from Eugene A. Nida and
Mona Baker namely formal equivalence; dynamic equivalence; cultural
equivalence; grammatical equivalence; and pragmatic equivalence. The result
show that the equivalence in the translation consists of all type of equivalence.
The last previous research is a journal, entitled ―Slang Translation: A
Comparative Study of J.D Salinger‘s The Catcher in The Rye‖ written Habibollah
Mashhady and Maryam Pourgalavy in 2013.51 In this research they focus on
analyze the slang translation in dialogues from English into Persian using the
model proposed by Venuti. Whether the translation is domesticated or
foreignized. The result indicates that the most frequently employed translation
strategy for transferring slang in ―the Catcher in The Rye‖ is domestication. However, using foreignizing strategy can reproduce the original picture and
truthfully essence of the ST, especially to the parts where the source culture is
different from the target culture. It is good for combining two cultures and is
50
Della Mayvalencia, An Analysis of Meaning Equivalence of English Slang Language Translation in Whild Child Movie Text, (Jakarta: UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, 2011), p.1.
51
11
beneficial for keeping the characteristics of the SL texts. Nevertheless, they states
that it may cause an information overload and cultural shock, and thus may be
difficult for the TT readers to accept and understand the translation. Since in the
translation of slangs as culture-specific items, it is better to find target equivalents
for the unfamiliar and unkown terms instead of remaining them untranslated or
using neutral terms, and if the translators cannot find the appropriate target
equivalents, they can use foreignization strategy and retain cultural terms so that
the TL readers understand about the source language culture.
From the previous research above, there are some similarities and
differences with this current research. First similarity from all the research
including this current reseach is focus on translating slang. The differences can be
seen in the aim of the research. First research purpose is to describe the translation
strategy and the impact after the strategy applied. The second research purpose is
to know the equivalence between SL and TL and the last research is focus on the
product of the translation whether it is foregnized or dometicated. However, this
current research is focus on analyzing the type of slang based on its function in SL
and TL. Then find out whether the uses of translation strategy is suitable or not.
The strategy used here is also examins Karolina Butkuvienē and Lolita Petrulionē
which states that there are three main translation strategies commonly used in
translating slang they are literal softening, literal translation and stylistic
B. Slang in Translation
There are some kinds of language varieties that are used in informal context
of communication, one of them is slang. Slang is the most common style in
informal setting, especially in young generation or teenagers. It can serve a
bridge, either helping both old and new words that have been used as ―insiders‖
terms by a specific group of people to enter the language of the general public or,
on the other hand, preventing them from doing so.
Despite the difficulty of defining slang, some linguists try to give their own
definition about slang. Dumas and Lighter, cited in Eble, describes four criteria
for deciding whether a linguistic item constitutes slang, they are:52
1. Its presence will markedly lower, at leasr for the moment, the dignity of
formal or serious speech or writing;
2. Its use implies the user‘s special familiarity either with the referent of people who have such familiarity and use the term;
3. It is a tabooed term in ordinary discourse with person of higher social
status or greater responsibility;
4. It is used in place of the well-known conventional synonym, especially
in order (a) to protect the user from the discomfort caused by the conventional item or (b) to protect the user from the discomfort or annoyance of further elaboration.
Here is a selection of Dumas and Lighter‘s examples:
Though their dissent was not always noisy or dramatic, many Americans
felt the President was a jerk for continuing the war.53
13
Speaker A: ―I‘d like this job, sir, because the one I have now is shit.‖55
According to the criteria, jerk, wastem and shit all qualify as slang. Jerk
fulfills criteria 1, 2, and 4b; waste, criteria 1, 2, and 4a; and shit, criteria 1, 2, 3,
and possibly 4b.
Slang is a phenomenon which shows diversities among different languages
and which is supposed to be difficult to reproduce in translation. The translation
of linguistic varieties that belong to socially restricted speech community, such as
slang which is rarely have equivalents. Since slang is a cultural phenomenon, the
main problem of slang translation arise because of the differences in language
systems and cultures. Thus, when the differences between languages and cultures
are extremely great, the translator should be ready to perform various shifts during
the process of translation as well as to choose the right translation strategy.56
Translators should be aware that their translation corresponds to certain culture,
readership, and conveys the proper meaning.
JOLANTA LĖGAUDAITĖ, UNDERSTANDING SLANG IN TRANSLATION, (Vytauto
a) Group-identification and Creativity
The function of identification with a group and the effect of
creativity are particularly evident in college and teenage slang.57
Youth generally use creative innovative slang to show their belonging
to a group and establish solidarity with the other group members,
keeping the older generation at a distance. Look at the example below:
Sonny : ―Come on, Doody.‖
Doody : ―Watch out!‖
Sonny : ―Putzie, move it out! It‘s like a meat-ball in here!‖
Putzie : ―Let‘s go to find the chicks‖. 58
The speakers in conversation above are high school students of the
Rydell High. They share sex, age, education, and belong to the same gang,
the T-birds. In the extract above, three ‗T-birds‘ (Sonny, Doody and Putzie)
come out of the hatchback of a car parked in an open-air cinema.
The term chick is commonly used for ―a young chicken; sometimes
the young of any bird‖, or occasionally as a term of endearment applied to
human offspring. However, chicks is peculiarly used with the different slang
sense of ―girls; young women‖. Here it serves to identify the speakers as
belonging to a specific group (male teenagers) and show their need to be
fresh and to play, creatively, with words and their meanings.
b) Privacy and Secrecy
The function of privacy and secrecy are related to marginal or isolated
sub groups in society, such as criminals and drug addicts.59 Criminals, for
57
Elisa Matiello, Keeping Lexical Complexity in Slang Translation, in M. Bertucceli Papi, G. Cappelli & S. Masi (eds) Lexical Complexity: Theoretical Assesment and Translational Perspectives, (Pisa: Edizioni Plus, 2007), p. 121.
15
instance, generally use slang to hide information from people in authority,
while drug addicts adopt the slang vocabulary to reinforce their group
cohesion, in the other hands to keep insiders together and outsiders out. The
example below is a boys‘ conversation about some illegal drug traffics. Sick
boy tries to persuade one of his mates, Mark Renton, to buy some drug:
Sick Boy : ―There is a mate of Swanney‘s. Mikey Forrester –
you know the guy. He‘s come into some gear. A
lot of gears”
Renton : ―How much?‖
Sick Boy : ―About four kilos. So he tells me. Got drunk in a
pub down by the docks last week, where he met
two Russian sailors. They‘re fucking carrying
the stuff. For sale there and then, like.‖60
This extract illustrates the use of two terms (gears, stuff) that normally
refer to ―goods, matter or substance of any kind‖. However, they convey a
new specific sense among drug dealers (i.e. ―(illicit) drugs, narcotics‖),
becoming marked in terms of transparency and biuniqueness, and making
the conversation private and clandestine.
c) Informality and Intimacy
The function of informality and the effect of intimacy are self-evident
in general slang, which is language that speakers deliberately use to break
with the standard language and to change the level of discourse in the
direction of familiarity.61 It signals the speakers‘ intention to refuse
bookshop owner William Thacker, a typical middle-class Londoner, and his
slovenly flatmate Spike. Here they talk about an underwater mask:
Jimmy : ―Hey! You dog, you.‖
Michael : ―I‘m a bit of a dog. Thanks so much Jimmy.‖
Jimmy : ―Hey, all the best, huh?‖62
Jimmy addresses Michael by using the intimate slang appellative dog.
The term dog is often reported in slang dictionaries with a wide variety of
meanings and used with both positive and negative connotations (e.g. ―a friend‖, ―a foot‖, ―a sexually unattractive person‖, etc.)63
Despite this, it is
also the standard name of ―a carnivorous mammal‖, and an abusive term for ―a cur, a wretch‖. The result is vagueness and low transparency.
d) Vulgarity and Offensiveness
semantic area of ‗sex‘. The example below is taken from Notting Hill. The speakers are two friends of William who disapprove his behaviour with the
17
Honey : ―William‘s just turned down Anna Scott.‖
Spike : (to William) ―you daft prick.‖65
The term prick, used by Spike, is a derogatory slang expression
referring to ―the penis‖, but also ―a vulgar term of abuse for a man‖. It
shows another effect of slang (offensiveness) produced by the speaker‘s
choice of a rude lexically marked word to address someone he criticizes or
condemns.
2. Typical of Slang
Slang is not a usual word which does not have something special in it.
It has its own typical. Some of them are:
a) Slang is typical of informal situation
The formality of language is tied to the situation: in formal situation
people expect formal language and in non-formal situation they expect
informal language.66 Slang tends to be rude if we use it in formal situation.
Therefore, slang is frequently be the last choice for people who have
business purpose. Slang is more familiar among youth with the same age
(among friends) than among employee.
b) Slang is typical of spoken language
Since the situation in which we write are more formal that the
situations in which we talk, as stated above that slang is typical of formal
65Ibid. 66
situation, automatically slang belong to typical of spoken language.67 We
rarely found slang words in written language. But the statement before does
not mean we could not see any of them in written work. Comic is an
example. We will find various types of slang, especially in youth comic. It
will not be hard to find slang words there.
c) Slang is found in words, not in grammar
Every language contains vocabulary and grammar. Since there is not
attitudes.69 That is definitely different with slang. Even though slang terms
may contain some taboo words, but it is used for fun or joking among
friends and the important this is that slang words used without emotion.
e) Slang is not register
Register is specialized vocabulary owned by specific occupation and
activity.70 Registers are different with slang, but may contain slang, as long
19
example, when a patient leaves a tissue sample of examination, the doctor
may say that they are sending some meat to the laboratory.
These words are learned and used in practice and none of those words
are written in the books of medicine. Most of register associated with
unofficial, or illegal activities may consist a lot of slang.71 Like the narcotic
business, industries that involve very many people and lies on the fringes
often find its way out of this register and into general slang vocabulary.
Words such as high, stoned, freaked out, turned on, which related to the
effects of drug abuse, shifted their way into slang words. In the other hand,
slang is like term which owned by one certain field.
f) Slang is not cant, argot or jargon
For the first time, the term slang was used in British criminal to refer
to their own special language. Cant, a private language of the underworld
(criminal) which still used as a term for language of criminals.72 Thus, slang
has moved a long way from its origin. Argot is a name for the language
criminals which origin is French and has been used for several centuries
with this meaning.73 Jargon refers to special or technical words used by
particular group of people.74
From the passage above, the researcher conclude that Cant and argot
are special words among criminals and only them who know the meaning.
Different with slang which is the words used intensely among youth no
favorite), square heads (stupid person), for the first time they are used, they
are truly creativity. Those words attract other people‘s attention. People who
use slang words in every their chat, then they are included to creative
people.
h) Slang is short-lived
As stated before, that is unusual for slang words to stay on the
language for thousand years. Most of slang words are accepted into neutral
style or else die out rather quickly.76 Many slang words, such as phone, bike,
bus, pub, etc., have become standard or neutral language. There are also
many slang words which have been lost.
Same like language, slang somewhat always changing through time.
Every slang word will be change or develop. Later, the slang word will be
21
3. Slang Translation Strategies
Recreating the same effects in a different language community by means of
an equivalent slang formation is nearly impossible. Yet, according to Karolina
Butkuvienē and Lolita Petrulionē there are three general slang translation strategies; they are softening and literal translation which derived from Eugene
Nida and stylistic compensation by Keith Harvey.77 These are the following
definitions:
a) Literal Softening is focused on the perception of the target text reader;
the language of the target text is formulated in such a way that it sounds
natural and comprehensible for the reader.78 The purpose of softening
effect is to soften the rudeness and vulgarity of slang when it contains
negative connotations or its usage is inappropriate in the translation, for
this reason the other word with the proper meaning is chosen. This
translation strategy is particularly useful in the translation of dirty slang
words, denoting sex and swearing, since they are especially censored in
translation of the target language (TL). For example: ―Hi, gay!‖
translated to ―Hai, penyuka sesama!”.The word ―gay‖ was translated to
“penyuka sesama” which is softener to be heard. While in literal
translation, we can use the word ―homo”.
b) Literal translation or known as word-for-word translation is used when
words of the source language are translated directly into the target
77 Butkuvienē Karolina and Petrulionē Lolita, Studies about Langugaes: Translation Peculiarities of Slanguage, (2010). Accessed on April 5th, 2014. ISSN 1648-2824 KALBŲ STUDIJOS, 2010, 16 NR, No. 16, pp.39-41.
78
language.79 According to Vinay and Darbelnet, literal translation is the
direct transfer of ST into a grammatically and idiomatically appropriate
TT in which the translator‘s task is limited to observing the adherence to
the linguistic servitudes of the TT‖. 80Fawcett referring to the literal
translationstrategy indicates that it is ―the rare but always welcome case
when a text can go from one language into another with no changes other
than those required by the target-language grammar).81 It is appropriate
to translate words literally whenever it is possible to find the equivalents
in TL.
However, the literal translation is commonly used in translation if
the ST and TT languages belong to the same family or they share the
same or very similar cultures. Furthermore, this strategy of translation
may be appropriate in the translation among the European language some
of which share the concepts of the culture and the civilization, have
certain kinds of similarities in the way of thinking or structuring the
language patterns. The use of this strategy of translation is becoming
more widely used in the case of slang translation. Slang can be translated
into TT, if only its equivalent is available. Therefore, the style of the TT
has to be kept close to the ST as much as it is possible and if it is not, the
other translation strategy should be chosen. For example: ―This place is
like hell!‖ translated to ―Tempat ini bagai neraka!‖. The sentence above
79Ibid.
, p.86.
23
was directly translated as it is in source language. There was no change at
the form and or the meaning.
c) Stylistic compensation. According to Harvey, stylistic compensation
involves making up for the loss of a source text effect in the target text
using the means specific to the target language or text.82 By the use of
stylistic compensation strategy, it is possible to use slang in the TT and
achieve similar effect to the ST, but if it is not possible to do, the
translator can choose other option.
Usually this strategy is used to solve the problem of the translation
loss and try to achieve the effect of the target text that is similar to source
text. Stylistic compensation helps to solve the language and culture
specific problems that occur in the translation of slang, but the translator
should decide whether it is worth to translate a certain linguistic item and
they should try keep to the proper style of the text as much as possible.
For example: ―It‘s raining cats and dogs!‖ translated to “Hujan deras sekali!”. The phrase above do not have the exact meaning in target
language (Bahasa Indonesia), that is why the translator maintain the
effect of the source language and keep the meaning the same.
82
24
CHAPTER III
RESEARCH FINDINGS
A. Data Description
In this data description, the researcher wants to discuss the slang
expressions which taken from The Punisher comic series by Nathan Edmonson,
which was published on February 05th , 2014 for part 1 and February 19th, 2014 for
part 2 and the translations are from Hindi R. Ibrahim.
B. Data Analysis
From the corpus data above, the researcher will analyze and classify the
selected slang expressions by categorizing its type based on its function and
describe the meaning, then analyze the translation using the slang translation
strategies.
Besides, the researcher will finds out the meaning of slang from some slang
dictionaries, such as The Concise New Partridge Dictionary Slang and
Unconventional English, Dictionary of American Slang and Random House
Historical Dictionary of American English. To get further description of analysis,
25
Illustration: a group of soldiers are talking in the helicopter. One soldier
(named Moffly) tells the others about what he will going to
do after the mission.
The slang expression ―binge-watch‖ is translated to
―nonton...sambil minum‖ in TL. The word ―binge‖ means a dringking or
drugging spree.39 The speaker in the comic uses a slang expression
―binge-watch‖ which means going to watch TV shows and drinking alcohol at the same time.
This slang expression in ST is group-identification and creativity
because the speaker uses the slang expression to show the speaker‘s
belonging to a specific group (soldier and men group) and show the
speaker‘s need to be fresh by playing with words creatively and their meaning; while in TT, this slang expression has changed to be an
ordinary daily word (colloquial). Yet, if the colloquial above is a slang, it
can be concluded that its type is informality and intimacy.
After knowing the meaning in the translation and understanding
the type, the slang expression here can be categorized as literal softening
39
strategy. It is more appropriate that the other strategies because the word
―nonton...sambil minum‖ sounds natural and comprehensible for the reader without mention alcohol which sounds inappropriate for readers in
TL. Later, even though the researcher did not mention wants to analyze
the equivalence, but a fact that equivalence can not be avoided from
translation, the researcher concludes that the translation has formal
equivalence because although it is different in form, but the meaning is
still accurate and correct.
2. Goth Bling
SL: Goth bling? (p.8)
TL: Cincingothic?
Illustration: ―the Punisher‖ (Frank) answered his friend‘s question about
what he has been holding.
The word ―Goth‖ is an abbreviation of a noun ―Gothic‖ which
means a member of youth fashion cult, characterized by a dark,
sepulchral appearance and stark white and black make up;40 while the
word ―bling‖ is a noun which means a vulgar or ludicrously ostentation
display of wealth.41 The data above shows that the slang expression has
informality and intimacy function. It identified that the speaker in the
comic uses the slang expression to ease social exchange and induce
friendliness. The slang expression ―Goth Bling‖ is translated into ―Cincin
40
Eric Partridge, Op. Cit., p.301.
41Ibid.,
27
gothic‖. It is stylistic compensation because it has similar responds although the translation is not into direct lexical meaning. Yet, the
translation here has achieved the same effect.
Despite the fact that the word Gothic is not Bahasa Indonesia, the
translation may have the same effect on the reader as the original, since
the word Gothic is well-known or familiar in TT readers. The
equivalence of the translation with ST is dynamic. Although there is no
change in structure between ST and TT, it still comprehensible for
readers in SL, and in accordance to the meaning, it can be categorized
into dynamic equivalence.
3. Hombre
SL: …Bra chafe is no joke, Hombre. (p.8) TL: …Aku tidak bercanda, anak rumahan.
Illustration: a friend (female cop) called ―the Punisher‖ (Frank) to tease
him
In this case, ―Hombre‖ is translated to―anak rumahan‖. The slang
expression ―Hombre‖ itself derived from HAHM bray means a Hispanic
person, a man, a fellow.42 According to the comic, the speaker uses the
slang expression ―Hombre‖ to call a friend whom she talks to. This slang
expression has informality and intimacy function. It because she wants
to make her conversation feels warmer and closer. However, if the phrase
42
anak rumahan above is a slang, the type is the same with the SL,
informality and intimacy.
The data above classified as stylistic compensation strategy. The
fact that direct lexical meaning is not available in TL, it caused there is a
loss in translation. That is why composing other meaning with different
form is acceptable in order to make the same effect among readers.
Stylistic compensation is correlated with dynamic equivalence. It means,
this slang expression translation is dynamic equivalence because it
focuses on TL reader‘s perception.
4. Hell of a Nest
SL: Hell of a nest, Hector. (p.12)
TL: Sarang neraka, Hector.
Illustration: ―the Pusniher‖ talked to himself about a place that full with
drugs mafia.
The slang expression in data above means an extremely bad
place.43 Informality and intimacy is a type of this slang expression
because according to the comic, the speaker uses the expression to
describe a place that is full with gangster. As usual, in translation, the
researcher finds the slang expression has changed into colloquial.
To sum up, the researcher finds out that the translation is applying
literal softening strategy. The slang expression here is used to insult
43
29
something; while in translation, the expression looks more soft and
acceptable because it does not use any rude word. In addition, the slang
expression translation is dynamic equivalence, since it focuses on reader
response.
5. Jerk
SL: Hey, Jerk! Get back in your car! (p.13)
TL: Hey, bego. Balik ke mobil!
Illustration: a driver behind the Punisher‘s (Frank‘s) car mad at him
because he stopped his car suddenly and make a mess with his weapon.
The slang expression ―jerk‖ is translated to ―bego‖ when the true
meaning is an idiot or a fool.44 While, Meriam Webster describes the
slang expression ―jerk‖ literally means a person whose behavior is
offensive to others.45 The speaker in the comic uses the slang expression
to throw his anger. It means the type of this slang expression is vulgarity
and offensiveness. Meanwhile in translation, the researcher is not found
any type of slang because the form is changed into colloquial.
In accordance of the explanation above, the researcher concludes
that the translation is applying literal translation strategy. It can be seen
from the translation, there is no change in form and meaning. Yet, the
translation is still acceptable for readers in TL. Literal translation strategy
is always connected with formal equivalence which focuses on the
44Ibid.,
p.365.
45
accuracy of meaning. So, the researcher sum up that the translation is
formal equivalence.
6. Crappy
SL: … I‘d rather not be left stuck to your crappy car—(p.16) TL: … Aku tidak ingin terjebak di sini dalam mobil bututmu—
Illustration: the Pusnisher (Frank) forced Hector (Drugs mafia leader) to
go inside Frank‘s car. Then, Hector insulted Frank‘s old car.
The slang expression in data above means inferior quality or poor
condition.46 ―Crappy‖ has a function as vulgarity and offensiveness
because the speaker uses this slang expression to insult something.
According to the comic, the speaker uses the slang expression to describe
an old car of Frank‘s (The Punisher). In TL, a colloquial is used, that is
―butut‖.
After knowing the meaning and understanding the type, the
translation is applying literal softening strategy. The application of this
strategy in this slang expression translation is more appropriate because
TT has given the exact meaning and it also undertsandable because it as
the same responds among readers both in SL and TL. As the conclusion,
the researcher decided that the translation is dynamic equivalence
because it concerns on reader‘s responds.
46
Jonathan E. Lighter, Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang: A-G,
31
7. Pigs
SL: Hey, Man! Don‘t leave me here for the pigs! (p.17)
TL: Hey, bung! Jangan meninggalkanku di sini bersama babi-babi itu! Illustration: Hector (Drugs mafia leader) shouted to the Punisher (Frank)
to not leave him alone for Dos Sols‘ gang.
The slang expression ―pigs‖ means inferior or bad example of
anything; an unpleasant person.47 The type of the slang expression is
vulgarity and offensiveness because the speaker uses this slang
expression to describe drugs mafia and its member. While in TT, the
slang expression is changed into colloquial. According to the comic, the
speaker uses the slang expression to refer the gangster.
From the described meaning in above, the translation uses literal
translation strategy to translate the slang expression. The application of
this strategy in this slang expression translation is acceptable and it
means the translation is formal equivalence.
8. Loaded Clip
SL: Everyone has a loadedclip when Punisher is around. Good and bad.
(p.18)
TL: Semua jadi sibuk saat Punisher muncul. Orang jahat, orang baik. Illustration: Hector (Drugs mafia leader) shouted to the Punisher (Frank)
to not leave him alone for Dos Sols‘ gang.
47
The slang expression in data above is informality and intimacy
because the conversation occured between friends. According to the
comic, the speaker uses the slang expression to describe what people‘s activities are when the punisher is around. The slang expression ―loaded clip‖ itself means many paces or rates.48
The slang expression in
translation is ―sibuk‖. It means the slang expression in the TT has changed into an ordinary daily used word (colloquial).
From the described meaning in the SL above, the translation is
applying literal softening strategy. The application of this strategy in
this slang expression translation is acceptable because the TT has given
the exact meaning and understandable because it has the same responds
both in SL and TL. Yet, there is a change in form of word that caused the
translation is dynamic equivalence because the translation is more focus
on reader‘s response.
9. Pro
SL: It won‘t be easy, he‘s a pro… (p.19) TL: Itu tidak akan mudah. Dia itu profesional.
Illustration: one of Howling Commando‘s (elite troop led by Director
S.H.I.E.L.D Nick Fury) member talk to the others.
48
33
The slang expression ―pro‖ is translated to ―profesional‖. The
slang expression ―pro‖ itself is an abbreviation of profesional.49 Informality and intimacy is the type of the slang expression because the
speaker uses it to break the standard language. According to the comic,
the speaker uses the slang expression to describe a person‘s greatness in
killing people.
From the described meaning above, the translation here can be
categorized as literal translation strategy. It can be proved because the
translation is directly transferred from SL. At last, the researcher
concludes that the translation here is formal equivalence.
10. Damn
SL: Oh Damn, just a Coyote! (p.6)
TL: Oh! Sial cuma anjing liar!
Illustration: Dos Sols‘ member talk to the other member.
Acording to the data above, ―Damn‖ is rendered into ―sial‖. The
slang expression ―Damn‖ means something of little or no worth.50 The
slang expression type above is vulgarity and offensiveness. The speaker
uses the slang expression to express his shock over a dog. Meanwhile in
TL, the slang expression has changed into daily used word (colloquial).
After knowing the meaning and understanding the type above, the
translation can be classified as literal translation strategy. Considering
49
Eric Partridge, Op. Cit., p.515.
50Ibid.,
the fact there is no change in meaning and there is no extra meaning
added. The slang expression translation also can be categorized as
formal equivalence because it is strongly influenced in determining the
accuracy and correctness.
11. Doggy Bag
SL: Two sausage sandwiches, Lou. In a doggy bag. (p.8)
TL: Dua sandwich sosis, Lou. Bungkus.
Illustration: the Punisher (Frank) ordered some food to Lou (Cafe Waiter
and Frank‘s friend) .
The slang expression type in data above is informality and
intimacy. According to the comic, the speaker uses the slang word to
express his desire to bring the food home. The slang expression ―doggy bag‖ is translated to a daily used word or colloquial ―bungkus‖. It is
similar with the true meaning, ―doggy bag‖ means a bag in which
uneaten food from restaurant is packed and taken home.51
In accordance to the type and the meaning above, the translation
here can be classified as stylistic compensation strategy. The
application of this strategy in this slang expression translation is more
appropriate than other strategies because there is no direct lexical
meaning which caused mae up the loss of translation is needed; and the
word ―bungkus‖ is match to cover up the loss as long as the intention of
51
35
the author in SL is well-transferred and reader in TL is understand. It
means the translation is dynamic equivalence.
12. Ammo
SL: They‘re not running out of ammo! (p.11) TL: Mereka punya banyak amunisi!
Illustration: a male cop talked to the female cop.
The slang expression type, ―ammo‖ is group-identification and creativity. It is because the slang expression is used in cop‘s talk; while it can be seen that the slang expression is changed into daily used word
or colloquial. According to the comic, the speaker uses the slang
expression to refer a bullet supply of villains.
The ―ammo‖ itself is an abbreviation of ammunition.52
From the
described meaning above, the translation here can be categorized as
literal translation strategy. It is because there is no change in form and
meaning. Then, formal equivalence can be seen from the translation
directly since it always correlated with literal translation.
Illustration: the Punisher (Frank) fell down from his motorbike because
he was attacked.
The type of slang expression ―what in the hell‖ is informality and intimacy. According to the comic, the speaker uses the slang expression
to express his shock. In translation, ―what in the hell‖ is translatedd to ―apa-apaan ini?‖
The slang expression ―what in the hell‖ itself used in annoyance,
resignation or surprise.53 From the described meaning above, the
translation can be classified as stylistic compensation strategy. The
application of this strategy in this slang expression translation is
acceptable because the TT has given the same meaning and
understandable because it has the same responds both in SL and TL. It
means the translation is dynamic equivalence.
14. PCH
SL: --you need to hear this. Something‘s going down on the PCH. (p.19)
TL: --kau harus mendengarnya. Sesuatu yang penting telah terjadi di
jalan Santa Monica.
Illustration: a member of a gang talked to his leader.
The slang expression in data above is group-identification and
creativity because it used by people who staying in America only which
is only a certain group familiar with the slang expression. According to
53Ibid.,
37
the comic, the speaker uses the slang expression to refer a highway
located in Santa Monica.
The slang expression ―PCH‖ is translated to “Santa Monica‖ the ―PCH‖ itself is an acronym of Pacific Coast Highway which located in
Santa Monica.54 From the described meaning above, the translation here
can be categorized as stylistic compensation strategy. It is more
appropriate strategy because there is a loss in the translation. The
meaning in TL is not the exact meaning. But, to cover up the loss, a
familiar word used in translation in order to make comprehensive
translation for reader. In conclusion, the translation here is dynamic
equivalence which focuses on reader understanding.
To sum up, literal translation and stylistic compensation strategies
38
meaning and it causes the translation are using daily used word or colloquial.
The researcher also concludes from the three strategies in translating slang
expression, literal translation appears most frequent. However, the literal
translation is not suitable in translating slang expression because the fact that
slang expression does not always have direct lexical meaning in TL will lead
reader to misunderstanding or not getting the exact intention of SL‘s author.
Stylistic compensation looks more suitable to translate slang expression in order to
cover up the loss (such as there is no direct lexical meaning) in translation.
39
slang expression will always changing over the time, the researcher also suggest
to keep update whether one slang expression is change into colloquial or still a
slang. The updated knowledge of the translator will lead TL‘s readers into
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43
Summary of The Punisher Comic
The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder, kidnapping, extortion,
coercion, threats of violence and torture in his war on crime. Driven by the deaths
of hiw wife and two children, the punisher wages a one-man war on the mob and
all criminals in general by using all manner of conventional war weaponry. His
family‘s killer were the first to be slain. A war veteran of the U.S military, Frank
Castle is a master of martial arts, stealth tactics, guerilla warface and a wide
variety of weapons.
For years, The Punisher has waged a war on crime in New York City with
an array of very large guns, but a lead on a major source of drugs, weapons, and
more has set his many sights due west. Now, Frank Castle's in the City of Angels,
looking to give the devil his due. Things are not all they appear, though, with a
highly trained military hit squad hot on Frank's tail. Caught between a posse of
Punisher predators and targets of his own one-man-war, Frank's manifest destiny
The Punisher #1
#Data 1
